Investigation of the effect of astaxanthin on autophagy in renal ischemia-reperfusion modeled rats

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate effect of astaxanthin on autophagy in rats with renal ischemia reperfusion injury. Material and Method: In this study 40 male Sprague-dawley rats were used. The rats were divided into 5 groups; Group1 (Sham), Group2 (I/R), Group3 (Atx 5 mg/kg+I/R), Group4 (Atx 10 mg/kg+I/R) and Group 5 (Atx 25 mg/kg+I/R). The rats in groups 1 and 2 were given astaxanthin solvent (olive oil) by gavage for 7 days. The rats in groups 3, 4 and 5 were given different doses of astaxanthin dissolved in olive oil by gavage during 7 days. At the end of 7th day, rats in all groups were performed bilateral renal ischemia for 45 minutes then reperfusion for 24 hours. BUN and creatinine levels from serum samples were measured. TAS-TOS levels were measured by ELİSA method. SOD and MDA levels from renal tissue were measured. Kidney tissues were stained with Hematoxylin-eosin method. Beclin-1, LC3, p62 levels in renal tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry method. Results: The levels of BUN and creatinine in the I/R group were detected to increase relative to the sham group, while in the astaxanthin groups it was lower. (p<0.05). It was determined that the TAS and SOD values decreased in the I/R group and increased with astaxanthin administration (p<0.05). It was determined that MDA and TOS values increased in the I/R group and decreased with astaxanthin administration (p<0.05). Necrotic changes and dilatation were observed in the tubules in area in the I/R group. It was detected that the histopathological findings observed in the I/R group decreased significantly in the Atx 10 mg/kg+I/R and Atx 25 mg/kg+I/R groups (p<0.05). LC3 and Beclin-1 immunoreactivity were detected the highest in Atx 25 mg/kg+I/R group when compared another groups (p<0.05). p62 immunoreactivity was detected the lowest in the Atx 25 mg/kg+I/R group (p<0.05). Conclusion: In our study, it was determined that astaxanthin protects the tissues against damage via induction of autophagy